20 Dollars Independence

Palau gained independence from U.S. administration on October 1, 1994, after a protracted series of referenda — seven in total between 1983 and 1993 — largely stalled by a constitutional provision requiring 75% approval for any agreement permitting nuclear weapons on Palauan soil. The Compact of Free Association that finally passed sidestepped that clause. This coin was issued the same year, capitalizing on the commemorative market that independence events reliably generate.